I hate pressing seams open, but this pattern calls for just that. My problem is in trying to open them so I can press them open and flat. I always burn my fingers. Any suggestions?
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I hate pressing seams open, but this pattern calls for just that. My problem is in trying to open them so I can press them open and flat. I always burn my fingers. Any suggestions?
rvsfan
A Ricky Van Shelton fan
They make silicon finger protectors:
http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...al+thimbles.do
You can also use a small piece of wood, like a tongue depressor, a short wood ruler etc. Another alternative is to finger press the seam open first.
Last edited by PaperPrincess; 09-20-2015 at 07:39 AM.
"I do not understand how anyone can live without one small place of enchantment to turn to."
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
I finger press the first few inches to open the seam and then I use the point of my iron.
Fabric is like money, no matter how much you have it's never enough.
I usually finger press a seam open before putting the iron to it.
"I keep my end tables full of needlework and quilting so I don't have to dust them." ~ Author Unknown but I agree!
that is what I do, tooOriginally Posted by Evie
Me too. I don't like burned fingers either.
That's what I do too.
Martina
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Fabric!
I use one of those wooden irons to at least get the seams opened.
http://www.quiltinaday.com/shoponlin...play.asp?i=710
A Good Friend, like an old quilt, is both a Treasure and a Comfort
About an inch or so in front of the iron lift the fabric with your thumb on the open seam. The seam will stay open really well. Just slide your hand along as the iron follows behind.
http://s1248.photobucket.com/albums/hh485/KitsieH/
Never regret growing older, its a privilege denied to many.
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Kitsie
In addition to the answer Kitsie gave you, I am using a wooden dowell about the size of a closet pole cut in half lengthwise to put under the seam, keeps from disturbing the surrounding seams. For a short seam in a block, a length of dowell about 8" works. For a quilt top all put together, a 4' length is adequate. Some people enclose the dowell in a fabric sleeve and close the ends, but I use the wood bare and it has not discolored light fabric. I learned about the dowell from Mrs. Darkow of Washington Stars Quilt Guild.
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